Is a Subaru Ascent expensive to maintain?

Overall, the Subaru Ascent is not unusually expensive to maintain; routine upkeep is roughly on par with other midsize SUVs. Costs can vary by trim, mileage, and how well the vehicle is cared for, with some items like the all-wheel-drive system and CVT transmission potentially driving higher expenses if repairs are needed.

To understand maintenance costs, consider routine services, common wear items, and potential expensive repairs. The following analysis breaks down what drives maintenance costs, typical yearly costs for common services, and a practical maintenance schedule to keep ownership affordable and reliable.

What drives maintenance costs for the Ascent

Several factors influence how much you spend maintaining an Ascent over time. Here are the primary cost drivers owners report and technicians highlight.

• All-wheel drive (AWD) system: The Subaru AWD drivetrain adds complexity and routine checks, increasing service costs versus 2WD rivals.


• CVT transmission: Continuously Variable Transmissions require specialized service; fluid changes and occasional repairs can be pricier than traditional automatics.


• Engine and turbo (2.4L turbo): Turbo engines may have higher maintenance costs if components wear or carbon buildup occurs, particularly with direct injection.


• Mileage and usage: Higher mileage accelerates wear on brakes, tires, suspension, and fluids, raising repair and replacement costs.


• Preventive maintenance adherence: Following the factory schedule minimizes surprises and expensive repairs.


• Labor rates and regional pricing: Costs vary by shop and locale; urban areas tend to be higher.


• Vehicle history and repairs: Prior accidents or non-OEM parts can influence current maintenance costs.

Implementation note: costs vary widely; many owners manage expenses by following the maintenance schedule, using OEM or high-quality replacement parts, and shopping for competitive labor rates.

Typical maintenance costs and intervals

Here is a snapshot of common maintenance items for the Ascent and how often you might expect to perform them, with approximate price ranges. Prices vary by market, trim, and whether work is done at a dealer or independent shop.

• Oil changes and filter: roughly $70–$120 per service, typically every 6,000–7,500 miles with synthetic oil.


• Tire rotations and wheel balance: about $40–$100 per service, every 6,000–7,500 miles or with tire rotation packages.


• Brakes (pads/rotors) replacement: approximately $300–$800 per axle for pads and rotors, depending on rotor material and labor; more if calipers or rotors are warped.


• Brake fluid flush: around $90–$150 every 2–3 years, or as recommended.


• Coolant flush and replacement: roughly $120–$200 every 60,000–100,000 miles, depending on coolant type and service.


• CVT transmission fluid change: typically $150–$350, depending on shop and location; many owners schedule around 60,000 miles or as per Subaru guidelines.


• Air filter replacement (engine): about $20–$50 at standard service intervals; cabin air filter about $30–$70.


• Spark plugs (for applicable engines, usually at higher mileages): $150–$350 per service, depending on engine and labor.


• Tire replacement (all-season or performance tires): a full set typically $600–$1,200+, depending on tire size and brand.

In summary, routine maintenance costs align with other midsize SUVs; significant surprises are more likely if maintenance is deferred or if high-mileage repairs become necessary on the AWD and turbo-equipped powertrain.

Maintenance schedule at a glance

For a practical, year-by-year view, here is a high-level maintenance cadence that most Ascent owners follow. Always consult the owner's manual for model-specific intervals and any recalls or service campaigns.

• Every 6,000–7,500 miles (6–12 months): oil and filter change; cabin air filter inspection; tire rotation; overall inspection of brakes, belts, fluids, and lights.


• Every 12,000–15,000 miles: check brake pads and rotors; inspect suspension; replace engine air filter as needed; inspect battery and charging system.


• Every 30,000 miles: replace engine air filter; cabin air filter; inspect CVT fluid level and look for dark or burnt smell in CVT area.


• Every 60,000 miles: perform more thorough inspection; consider CVT fluid change if not recently done; coolant replacement; inspect cooling system hoses and clamps; inspect spark plugs (depending on model year and engine); inspect drive belts if applicable.


• Every 90,000–100,000 miles: comprehensive inspection of drivetrain and electrical systems; verify CVT function and listen for unusual noises; ensure all fluids, seals, and gaskets are in good condition.

Note: These intervals can vary by model year and region. Always refer to the official Subaru maintenance schedule for your Ascent's exact recommendations.

Comparative view: Ascent vs rivals

Compared with popular midsize SUVs such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, the Ascent typically sits in the same maintenance cost territory. Some rivals may have lower or slightly higher routine maintenance costs depending on the drivetrain, engine type, and service accessibility. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander often have strong reliability signals, which can influence long-term maintenance spending in favorable ways, while the Ascent’s AWD and CVT can lead to higher costs if issues arise but are not necessarily more frequent than these peers.

Overall, the Ascent remains competitive in maintenance costs among its class, with the caveat that AWD and turbocharged variants can push up expenses when major repairs are needed.

Summary

The Subaru Ascent is not intrinsically expensive to maintain, but its all-wheel-drive system, CVT transmission, and potential turbocharged engine add variables that can increase repair costs if you skip preventive maintenance or drive aggressively. Following the official maintenance schedule, using quality parts, and shopping for competitive labor will help keep ownership affordable. With prudent care, annual maintenance costs typically fall within the mid-range for midsize SUVs, making the Ascent a reasonable choice for families prioritizing practicality and all-weather capability.

In short, the typical maintenance cost is manageable and comparable to its segment peers, with predictable routines and a few potential high-cost outliers to watch for as the vehicle ages. A proactive maintenance plan is the best way to avoid surprise bills and keep your Subaru Ascent running reliably for years.

Why is insurance so expensive for a Subaru?

The model and age of your Subaru can affect your insurance rates because different models have different safety ratings, repair costs, and theft rates. Newer or more expensive Subaru models will generally have higher insurance rates due to their higher risk of accidents or theft. 2.

Is a Subaru Ascent expensive to repair?

The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Subaru Ascent ranges from $105 to $791, with an average of $205.

Is Subaru a high maintenance car?

Most Subaru owners spend between $600 and $700 per year on basic maintenance. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, and fluid top-offs.

What are the pros and cons of a Subaru Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent's pros include its standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, strong towing capacity, comfortable and high-quality interior, and excellent outward visibility. Cons include poor fuel economy, a touchy accelerator pedal, and a third-row seat that is tight for adults. Engine and tire noise can also be invasive, and the infotainment system may feel slow and outdated for some users.
 
This video provides an in-depth review of the 2025 Subaru Ascent, covering its features, performance, and practicality: 54sTruck KingYouTube · Feb 27, 2025
Pros

• Standard all-wheel drive: Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system comes standard, providing surefootedness in various conditions. 
• Strong towing capacity: The Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds. 
• High-quality interior: The cabin features good materials, and higher trims offer premium options like leather and water-repellent synthetic seats. 
• Excellent visibility: The SUV offers great outward visibility from the driver's seat. 
• Comfortable ride: It provides a comfortable and steady ride, especially with its low center of gravity. 

Cons

• Poor fuel economy: The Ascent generally has lower gas mileage compared to competitors. 
• Tight third row: The third row is cramped for adults and is better suited for children. 
• Touchy accelerator: The accelerator pedal can be overly sensitive, leading to abrupt starts. 
• Engine noise: The engine and tire noise can be intrusive, particularly at certain speeds. 
• Outdated infotainment: While large, the vertical touchscreen's user interface can be slow and lacks modern innovation for some users. 

You can watch this video to learn about the worst and best things about the 2024 Subaru Ascent: 57sDownshiftYouTube · Jan 23, 2024